Use the Force

And bring me the passengers--I want them alive! Hit By A Bus, The Big Spank, Sector 5, Seis Pistos and Felonius Groove Foundation have the death sentence on 12 systems. Friday, Nov. 21, at the Launchpad (all-ages, $5). (LM)

A secret best friend

The guitarist for defunct post-hardcore band At the Drive-In and lead singer of alternative rock outfit Sparta finally saw West Texas get pressed this spring.

Sleepercar is Ward’s very own project. He recruits a band to play on tours and gathers musicians (including his father) to play in the studio. Whether the group lives or dies depends on him. “It’s the band I get to have forever,” Ward explains. “Nobody can start or stop it, except for me.”

One must appreciate the vital significance of a soundtrack, especially when the maestro is The Flaming Lips. This is no regular Flaming Lips album. The band directed, filmed and starred in a science-fiction film with an indie-budget feel, almost seven years in the making. The package is an epic score to an instant cult classic--that is, if you’re a fan of The Lips’ psychedelic lushes. Put it on the wish list and check it three times because the CD/DVD bundle comes in three differently decorated packages. (JH)

That nightmare, again: You're in biology class, trying not to nod off while the teacher drones, and suddenly you notice everyone's gaze focus squarely on you. You're naked, it's test day and you forgot to study. But that's not what's freaking you out. No—it's the plastic jelly bracelets, stirrup pants and side ponytails that cause you to sit up in bed, heart thumping like a '90s boom bap beat. This Saturday, May 26, your dreams are becoming a dayglo-blooded reality at Holly Rebelle's High School Reunion:A Burlesque Tribute to the '90s. The dreaded time machine takes off from the Launchpad at 8pm. Admission is $15 for adults over 21 (anyone younger probably wouldn't get it anyway).